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Planted acres projections reflect cautious farm economy
USDA economists predict some shifting crop acres as farmers continue to face a difficult economy. As crop farmers prepare to plant their corn, soybeans, or wheat in 2026, many are making decisions with the current farm economy in mind. Faith Parum, an economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says USDA economists revealed some key insights during the Annual Ag Outlook Forum. USDA said planting decisions are being driven by commodity prices, input costs, and expected returns. Parum...
Northwest Iowa crops standing strong against wind damage and disease pressure
At this point of the growing season in Iowa, the crops look outstanding and early reports from the field are calling for bin busting yields. However, there are still concerns about the threats to crops that can rob yield on the way to the finish line. Northwest Iowa...
USDA issues August livestock report
Based on the mid-year cattle report, a further tightening is expected of calves available for placement in late 2025 and early 2026. The report also suggests steady but gradual changes to inventories of beef cows and replacement heifers. That means the 2025 and 2026...
Iowa corn yields strong, but profits under strain
While Iowa Corn Day at the State Fair gave growers a chance to celebrate ethanol’s impact and future potential, Iowa Corn Growers Association President Stu Swanson also reminded fairgoers that not everything in agriculture is cause for celebration. Beyond the push for...
Food Bank of Iowa benefits from Iowa State Fair
One of the most iconic parts of the Iowa State Fair is the food, and there’s always plenty of it. There are also many food competitions that take place in the Elwell building on the west side of the fairgrounds, which do a great job of connecting fairgoers with the...
Draft MAHA Report shows no pesticide restrictions
A draft of the upcoming MAHA report seen by the New York Times will not propose direct restrictions on ultra-processed foods and pesticides that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., called “major threats.” If it is adopted, the report on the health of America’s...
Grassley hopeful for year-round E15 legislation in 2025
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says that he is hopeful that Congress can pass legislation for year-round E15 sales nationwide in 2025. Grassley adds that if his bill for year-round E15 sales passes, it is likely to happen at the end of the calendar this...
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More Ag News
Farmers need to be thinking about next year’s weed control
As harvest approaches, now is a great time to be evaluating how this crop season went in preparation for next year. Travis Ralfs, territory account manager with Valent, said weed control should be at the top of the list for soybean farmers in particular. Weeds like...
Warm weather to continue through the end of the month
The warm weather that has been present throughout much of the nation during the middle portion of September is expected to continue through the end of the month and beginning of October. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey details the 8-14 day outlook for the period of...
TFI praises Congressional support for phosphate as a critical mineral
The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today praised members of Congress in both chambers for joining a letter sent to Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum in support of adding phosphate to the U.S. Geological Survey’s list of critical minerals. The letter, a...
U.S. Export Sales Report (9-25-25)
This week’s export sales are continuing the usual trends. Corn sales are doing very well, while soybeans continue to struggle. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest corn numbers. While this week’s soybean sales weren’t terrible on their...
Naig sees big potential in Iowa–Maharashtra partnership
Iowa’s trade mission to India is paying early dividends, as the state continues to build on connections forged during Governor Kim Reynolds’ recent visit. Last week, we looked at the broad opportunities between the U.S. and India. Today, we turn to the state-to-state...
